Bad Waltersdorf

The village is easy to reach by motorway (A2 autobahn, 65 km from Graz and 120 km from Vienna).

History

The region around Bad Waltersdorf was settled and cultivated around 2,500 years ago by Celtic tribes. Still today you can see the remains of Celtic and Roman settlement in a number of archaeological excavations. Because of its history and its commercial and agricultural importance, Waltersdorf was raised to the status of a market town in 1928. When in 1975 prospectors found not the black gold they were looking for, but hot, healing thermal waters, Waltersdorf seized its chance and started to make the most of this precious resource. This started in 1981, when the area became the first in Austria to heat schools, the kindergarten, the open-air swimming pool and a few private houses with geothermal energy. Following this, in 1984, the public thermal spa went into operation. From this point onwards the community proceeded to build up a healthy and well planned tourist industry. Its success in doing this was crowned in 1984 when the market community of Waltersdorf became a spa town, henceforth called BAD WALTERSDORF.

'Most beautiful market town'

As Bad Waltersdorf is only a small community, it has been important to retain a intimate character. In 2002 Bad Waltersdorf achieved 1st place in the region´s floral competition to find the 'Most Beautiful Market Town or Village'. And it won first prize in the 'Entente Florale Europe' competition for the most beautiful floral village in Europe.

The rural charm of this area is what captivates the visitor most. A certain peace and calm is reflected both in the landscape and the people of this remarkable region.